effect of allium cepa extract on lung oxidant, antioxidant, and immunological biomarkers in ovalbumin-sensitized rats

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of Allium cepa [A. cepa] on levels of oxidants, antioxidants, and immunological markers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids [BALF] of sensitized rats

Materials and Methods: Oxidant/antioxidant markers and cytokines in BALF of control rats treated with saline [group C], ovalbumin-sensitized rats [group S], rats treated with 1.25 Mug/mL dexamethasone and 3 doses of A. cepa extract [35, 70, and 140 mg/kg body weight [BW]/day] [S + AC] were investigated. Comparison of the results between groups was performed using analysis of variance with the Tukey-Kramer post hoc test

Results: The oxidant markers nitrogen dioxide [NO[2], nitrate [NO[3-]], and malondialdehyde [MDA], and immunological markers interleukin [IL]-4 and immunoglobulin E [IgE] were significantly higher, but the antioxidant markers superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], thiol, and interferon [IFN]-Gamma, and the IFN-Gamma/IL-4 ratio were lower in sensitized rats compared to control rats [p < 0.001 to p < 0.01]. Compared to group S, the levels of the following markers were significantly lower: NO[2], NO[3-], and IgE in groups treated with the A. cepa extract, MDA and IL-4 levels in groups treated with 70 and 140 mg/kg BW/day of the A. cepa extract, and all these markers as well as IFN-Gamma in rats treated with dexamethasone [p < 0.001 to p < 0.05]. However, there were significantly higher levels of SOD and CAT and an increased IFN-Gamma/IL-4 ratio [groups treated with 70 and 140 mg/kg BW/day of the A. cepa extract], and levels of thiol and IFN-Gamma [group treated with 140 mg/kg BW/day of the A. cepa extract] as well as SOD, CAT, and thiol [dexamethasone-treated group] versus group S [p < 0.00 to p < 0.05]

Conclusion: A. cepa showed antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties in sensitized rats

Migration of a broken steinman pin into the posterior compartment of the leg 12 years after total hip arthroplasty

This report is on a migration of a Steinman pin into the posterior com Department of the calf. It was used to fix a greater trochanteric osteotomy in a total hip arthroplasty. The puzzling note is how this metal piece passed through the anterolateral compartment of the thigh to the posterior compartment of the calf. According to our literature review, migration of fixation pins through the knee joint is an extremely rare occurrence and could be missed by an inattentive physician

Anti-endomysial and anti-tissue transglutaminase serological test compared with small bowel biopsy in the diagnosis of celiac disease

Celiac is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by an immune-system-related damage in the intestinal tissue after consumption of gluten. There is not any general agreement for gold standard. The Purpose of this study was the evaluation of specificity and sensitivity of anti-endomysial [EMA] and anti-tissue transglutaminase [TTG] Serological test compared to small-bowel biopsy. In the cross sectional study, we took blood specimen from 1825 patients with gastrointestinal disease. All the samples were tested by TTG and EMA kits using ELISA. The patients were studied in two groups. First, the individuals whom their serologic test was positive but their tissue condition was normal and second, those with positive serologic test with pathologic tissue results that show they have celiac disorder. The mean of EMA and TTG shows that the level of antibodies in group 2 is significantly higher than that of the first group [P <0.001]. There is positive correlation between modified marsh criteria of small-bowel biopsy and the two tests. The Sensitivity of EMA and TTG tests for celiac diagnosis is 92%. The specificity of EMA, TTG tests are 100% and 98.5%, respectively. EMA-IgA serology with cut-off point of more than 66 together with TTG-IgA serology with cut-off point of above 30 can be helpful to distinguish a wide range of patients who need small-bowel biopsy

Impact of education on nutrition and exercise on the level of knowledge and metabolic control indicators [FBS and PPBS] of gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM] patients

Complications of gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM] have drastic effects on the health of the mother and fetus from different aspects. Sufficient knowledge and self care skills, especially regarding nutrition and exercise, play a major role in the management of GDM. This study aimed at determining the impact of education on nutrition and exercise awareness and metabolic control indicators [fasting and post prandial blood sugars] among a group of gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM] patients, referred to hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. In this interventional study, 61 class A1 gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM] patients were selected through easy sampling and randomly assigned to two groups of experimental and controls. Before the intervention, we measured metabolic control indicators and levels of knowledge in both groups, using laboratory tests and a specifically designed and validated written test [containing 34 multiple choice questions respectively, with a reliability of KR20: 0.81]. Educational interventions were then implemented for about 6 hours weekly for the experimental group, and the expected outcomes were measured in both groups immediately following and again two weeks after the end of the intervention. Finally, the data collected were analyzed by SPSS software, version 11.5, using independent sample t-test, Chi-square and Bonferroni. The results of data analysis revealed that after educational intervention the means for knowledge and post-prandial blood sugars [1 and 2hpp] were significantly different in the experimental group [p<0/001]. Results show that the effectiveness of the educational intervention in the improvement of the level of knowledge and metabolic control indicators, emphasizing hence the need for appropriate interactive education among such groups

Comparative evaluation of tooth enamel abrasion induced by different toothpastes

Tooth brushing along with a toothpaste is the most frequent and important method in managing a healthy oral hygiene. However, using such products also has its side-effects and shortcomings. Considering the large range of toothpastes available and the insufficiency of proper researches in this area in Iran, this study was designed to evaluate the abrasiveness of a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and a whitening one with two similar Iranian brands. This was an invitro experimental study. Four groups of enamel samples consisting of each 6 specimens were prepared and embedded in acrylic blocks. The initial surface profile for each specimen was calculated using a profilometer. The samples undertook the wear phase in a V8 Cross Brushing machine using toothbrushes and a toothpaste solution. The samples were then dried and the surface profile was again calculated. The variation of the first and second profilometer calculations demonstrate the amount of wear for each specimen. Data was analyzed using the SPSS program by means of One way ANOVA and Repeated Measure ANOVA tests. The amount of wear recorded for the 4 experimental groups was significantly different [p=0.039]. However, the two by two comparision tests showed that the Iranian brands did not appear to have a significant difference with their foreign counterparts [p>0.05]. The only difference was apperant between the two Iranian brand groups. According to the present study, it seems that there is no significant difference in the abrasive properties of the Iranian and foreign made toothpastes. However, similar researches considering different effects of toothpastes and especially in more clinical conditions and by utilizing different measurement methods appears to be necessary in Iran

[Treatment delay in orthopedic tumors]

Orthopedic tumors are most commonly seen in the young adults. Treatment delay in these important entities could have significant adverse effects on human communities. Our goal in this review is the evaluation of patients with benign and malignant orthopedic tumors to identify the main causes of delay in the presentation and treatment of such tumors. In this cross sectional study, we evaluated cases with potentially important orthopaedic tumors from December 2008 to June 2010. Treatment delay was divided into two parts; [1] patient delay, and [2] physician delay. In identifying the patient delay, the respective declaration was noted but in exploring the main causes of physician delay, the time to get complementary imaging or laboratory exams and in some cases interview with the primary physician were taken into account. We studied 200 cases [108 males and 92 females] with a mean age of 27.4 years, ranged 6 to 62 years. The median patient and physician delay was 8 months [ranged 0.5 to 120] and 4 months [ranged 0.5 to 84], respectively. Total median treatment delay was 12 months. The most common cause of patient and physician delay was assuming trivial the early symptoms of tumor and not timely complementary imaging, accordingly. Public education about early symptoms of orthopedic tumors and promotion of general practitioners' knowledge to follow timely and proper use of complementary imaging seem to have significant effects on reducing the treatment delay in these tumors

clinical and epidemiological characteristics of 100 patients with osteosarcoma in a 10-year period

Background and Purpose: Osteosarcoma is among primary bone tumors, seen mostly in long bones among young adults

Therapeutic approach to this disease consists of surgery and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, there is no access to information on its early symptoms and the high risk group. Therefore, in this study we have assessed the epidemiologic, clinical and paraclinical characteristics of osteosarcomaMethods and Materials: This cross sectional descriptive study involved 100 cases of osteosarcoma with various ages admitted to academic hospitals in Mashad, Iran. The obtained data were analyzed statistically in SPSS 11.5

Results: There were 69 male and 29 female patients, with a mean age of 17.6 +/- 7.04 years. The most common tumor sites were femur [46%] and tibia [41%]. Bone pain [56 cases], swelling [18 cases] and pathologic fractures [11 cases] were the most common complaints

Conclusion: Osteosarcoma can be recognized as a malignancy in young male adults, which is characterized mainly with pain

Threatened abortion: a risk factor for poor pregnancy outcome

The scientific literature regarding threatened abortion is relatively limited on the subject of outcomes and viability at term. To investigate prospectively the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome in women presenting with first-trimester threatened miscarriage, a prospective case control study was performed on 600 subjects, 150 women presenting with bleeding in the first trimester and 450 asymptomatic age-matched controls. Main outcome measures included gestational age and weight at delivery as well as incidence of adverse pregnancy outcome such as preterm labor, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes [PPROM], placental abruption, and low birth weight [LBW]. The first-trimester miscarriage rate in the threatened miscarriage group was 42.7%. Compared with controls, women presenting with threatened miscarriage were more likely to deliver prematurely, 14.7% compared with 52.9%, respectively [relative risk 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4-4.8]. They were also more likely to have PPROM, 6.4% compared with 27.5%, respectively [relative risk 4.2, 95% CI 2.6-6.9]; placental abruption, 5.7% compared with 1.5%, respectively [relative risk 3.6, 95% CI 1.2-11.3]; LBW, 14.9% compared with 7.1%, respectively [relative risk 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-3.8] and low lying placenta, 1.1% compared with 18.2%, respectively. birth weight 2866 +/- 523.3 g compared with 312.45 +/- 591.4 respectively, gestational age 35.71 +/- 4.3 compared with 38.07 +/- 3.2 respectively. First-trimester vaginal bleeding is an independent risk factor for adverse obstetric outcome and this risk factor should be taken into consideration when deciding upon antenatal surveillance and management of their pregnancies

Homocysteine in gestational diabetes and normal pregnancy plus effects of folic acid

The aim of study was to assess serum homocysteine and its relation with serum folate, vit B12 and lipid profiles in gestational diabetes mellitus and comparison with normal pregnant women as well as effect of different doses of folic acid on Homocysteine [Hcy] and pregnancy outcome. In a biphasic study first prospective controlled study 80 pregnant women were chosen at 24-28 weeks of gestation. In case group pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and control group who had normal Oral Glucose Tolerance test [GTT] results. Levels of fasting glucose, homocysteine, vit B12, and folic acid, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL, were measured. In phase II study a randomized clinical trial was done with diabetic women 15 with 1mg folic acid and 15 with 5 mg folic acid for six weeks and then above variables and pregnancy outcome was evaluated. The mean levels of homocysteine in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus [GDM] group were significantly higher but folic acid and vit B12 were significantly lower. Hcy levels were decreased in both groups after six weeks folic acid but decrease in Hcy for group 5mg was significantly more than 1mg group. Homocysteine levels were higher in GDM than normal pregnancy. High dose folic acid can reduce Hcy levels more than low dose and it may be a safe, simple, inexpensive intervention that prevents major pregnancy complications

[ effect of phoenix dactylifera [date- palm] pit powder on testosterone level and germ cells in adult male rats]

The pit of Phoenix dactylifera contains different chemical compounds such as saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, Zinc[Zn], Cadmium[Cd], Calcium[Ca], and potassium[K]. Saturated fatty acids include stearic and palmitic acid and unsaturated fatty acids contain linoleic and oleic acids which could inhibit 5-alpha- reductase enzyme. The present study was carried out with the aim of determining the effect of phoenix dactylifera pit powder on spermatogenesis and testosterone level in adult male rats. In this experimental research 45 wistar male rats were divided into 5 groups of 9 including the control group receiving no treatment, the saline group receiving an equal volume of normal saline as a solvent and the treatment groups receiving 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg body weight of Phoenix dactylifera pit powder orally for 21 days. The results were analysed through Excell, One-way analysis of variance and t-test. The results showed that 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg body weight of the powder increased the testosterone level significantly compared to the control and saline groups [P<0.05], whereas no significant change was observed in serum FSH and LH levels. Likewise, the above- mentioned amounts reduced dihydrotestosterone level in treatment groups [P<0.05]. Histologic exam of the testis showed an increase in sperm density in seminiferous tubules of treatment groups [P<0.05]. According to the research results it can be stated that the powder of phoenix dactylifera pit has probably caused increased testosterone level and decreased dihydrotestosterone level via inhibiting 5-alpha- reductase enzyme induced by palmitic, stearic, linoleic, and oleic acids

Short RIB polydactyly syndrome: a case report

Short rib polydactyly syndrome [SRPS] is a very rare congenital anomaly that is classified into four subtypes. It is an autosomal recessive inherited disease. We report a case of this syndrome without a previous family history of congenital defects

[Risk factors for recurrent preterm delivery in three university hospitals]

Preterm labor is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation. Recurrence of preterm labor in future pregnancies is 6-8%. History of preterm labor is a strong risk factor for future preterm labor. Preterm labor is the leading cause of neonatal mortality in developed countries, but permanent morbidity in these premature neonates has many side effects for the newborn as well as their family members and society. For this reason we conducted a survey to identify risk factors for recurrent preterm delivery among primiparous women with previous preterm delivery. This prospective case-control study included patients from three university hospitals, namely Imam Khomeini, Shariati and Mirza Koochakkhan Hospitals, all in Tehran, Iran. Subjects, including 539 primiparous women who delivered preterm [22-36 weeks], were divided into two groups: 47 had a second preterm delivery [study group] and 492 had first preterm delivery [control group]. Exclusion criteria were induced preterm delivery due to medical indications in mother and primigravid. Data collection and analysis was performed using SPSS 10 and t-test and chi[2] test were used to analyze the significance of the results. From a total of 6,537 deliveries, we found 539 cases of preterm delivery, among which 47 cases were identified as recurrent preterm delivery. The control group was composed of 492 deliveries. The recurrence of preterm delivery was 8.7%. Uterine anomaly, cardiovascular, renal and thyroid disease in mother and blood group A had a significant correlation with recurrent preterm delivery. Expectant mothers with uterine anomalies, cardiovascular, renal or thyroid diseases or group A blood type should receive extra care, observation and instructions in order to limit the risk of preterm delivery and its subsequent effects

[Incidence of anemia in pregnancy and its relationship with maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcome]

Anemia is a common finding among pregnant women, and it could cause a number of complications for both mother and fetus. In this case - control study, 302 pregnant women among patients referred to prenatal clinic of Mirza Kochak Khan Hospital were randomly chosen and were divided into anemic and normal groups based on their hemoglobin [Hb] level. Patients with Hb<11g/dl during the first or third trimester as well as those with Hb<10.5g/dl in the second trimester were considered anemic. Anemic patients were treated and pregnancy outcomes of two groups, including birth weight of the newborns, prematurity, stillbirth and abortion, were compared. Overall prevalence of anemia during pregnancy was 8.6%. The prevalence of anemia in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy were 10.3%, 3.5% and 12.7%, respectively. The frequency of anemia had a positive correlation with maternal age, gravidity and parity; however it was less frequent in patients taking iron supplements. There was no significant difference in pregnancy outcome of normal and treated anemic woman. Growth retardation was more frequent in treated anemic patients but only in women who were diagnosed in third trimester. The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women is noticeable, and with the iron deficiency as the most common cause, we recommend administration of iron supplements for prevention of anemia and its maternal and fetal consequences. Treatment of anemia in early stages of pregnancy results in normal pregnancy outcome, a finding emphasizing the importance of treatment

[Apgar score and arterial blood gas in the first hour of birth in neonates]

Background: Despite the high efficacy of Apgar score to find the neonates with respiratory distress, a low Apgar score is not a definite sign of asphyxia, as other factors can influence it as well

Methods: This case control study was carried out in Mirza Koochek Khan Hospital. Arterial blood gas in the first hour and Apgar score in minute 5 were evaluated in asphyxiated newborns [half of them had an Apgar score > 7 and the rest

Results: All of neonates were divided into two groups based on Apgar score [below 7 or over] each group consisting of 100 newborns. We found a significant association between Apgar score and ABG in the first hour of life [pH and BE being the most important factors of ABG]. A positive association between Apgar score and ABG was shown in male gender, Cesarean delivery and gestational age over 37 weeks

Conclusion: According to an association between Apgar score and ABG, we recommend evaluation of ABG as a routine procedure in neonates with a low Apgar score